Dr. Kulick’s Spring Beauty Update!

There’s a fear of looking old for some, right? It could be connected to our fear of mortality, or something as simple as losing some of our attractiveness. It could be that we simply don’t want to look different (that is, different from the 25-year-old self we have envisioned = imprinting). Our comfort levels and identities are connected to how we feel about our many parts. The reflection in the mirror can lead to content, or cause anguish. Words like “anti-aging”, “age-defying”, and even “plastic surgery” give us hope that we can retain / regain our youth and hold onto what we recognize as ourselves for a long time. Imprinting occurs at birth and continues as we evolve to a lesser degree.

The truth is, we are constantly evolving. The key is to find something that makes you happy, comfortable, beautiful – to be your best. I’ve heard countless stories of people who are healthier in their 50s than they were in their 20s and 30s, some look even more beautiful.

The takeaway here is that there is nothing to fear. You don’t have to be a passive bystander in the aging process. Take control. Find what works for you! With the advancement of science and medicine, there are thousands of new realistic pathways that can make a difference in your appearance and it’s impact on how you feel and how you live. My plastic surgery office in San Francisco provides the most cutting-edge and breakthrough technologies in non-invasive and invasive cosmetic treatments. It is our pride and pleasure to bring the beauty you feel inside to the surface and light.

We are proud to have been repeatedly recognized as one of the most innovative plastic and cosmetic surgery practices in the US: We ensure patient safety, put patients’ needs & wants first, and provide the most breakthrough technologies and services that are not just a marketing trend.

Call our office! (415) 956-2550.

And now, after much ado… here’s our update!

Mo’ fillers, mo’ dates?

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology’s asked 150 people to look at images of 10 women, who had been treated with facial fillers. The survey participants were asked to guess and judge these women’s ages, health and attractiveness levels. The results showed that the women who had been treated with fillers were perceived by the opposite sex to be younger than they really were – more attractive too!

A good first impression? It starts with your teeth…

At our office, we believe in comprehensive care for the outside and inside. In addition to all of the cosmetic enhancements we can provide (with lasers, surgery, fillers etc.), we also encourage our patients to have good diets, get enough exercise, take vitamins and take great care of our teeth! When you see the smiling pictures of both male and female models, their teeth look great!

As it turns out, one in two Americans is more likely to remember a person’s smile more than any other feature, according to The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). At-home whitening treatments can dramatically improve the look of your smile AND make you look more youthful!

Hot New Hair Color Alert!

First there was ombre, then there was sombre (the softer ombre)… Now? It’s all about Ecaille, which means tortoiseshell in French. (See Khloe Kardashian’s new hair color for reference.) According to Clairol Professional and celebrity colorist Kiyah Wright, “Ecaille is the biggest color trend for 2015 because it is a fresh, multidimensional color that fives hair a rich, luxurious look. Ecaille uses rich dark brown and chocolate hues with vibrant golden browns like honeys and ambers to frame the face. Soft pieces of balayage are placed around the rest of the head. It’s a toned down version of balayage and ombre using more of the tortoiseshell color.”

Not so fast though… Ecaille isn’t a household name just yet, so you may run into a few colorists who have NO idea what you’re talking about. If this is the case, try asking your colorist for a soft brown base and balayage ombre mix finished with gloss. (Of course, you could just bring in a photo to keep it easy.)

Is missing link to ageless skin ELASTIN?

You know about collagen (the key to fuller, plumper skin), but are you up to speed on elastin (the key to firmer skin that snaps back like a rubberband)? There’s hasn’t been a lot of emphasis on elastin in the past… but that’s about to change!

So, just what is elastin? Elastin is a protein, made by fibroblasts (the most common type of cell found in connective tissue). Elastin lives in the deepest layer of your skin (aka: the dermis), which gives your skin its ability to stretch and recoil. (Try pulling your skin and watch it snap back into place – that’s elastin helping it react that way.) As we age, our skin loses its ability to rebound.

Can I buy skincare products with elastin inside? Yes, but take note: Most experts agree that elastin, as an ingredient in products, cannot penetrate skin past the protective layer to make a difference at a cellular level (which is what you want). Thus, don’t count on these products to make a lasting impact.

A number of new fillers are expected to become FDA-approved and hit the market in the near future. They MAY be able to increase elastin in skin, but in the meantime… Limit your exposure to oxidative and environmental damage. It is MUCH easier to prevent elastin breakdown than to fix it. If you want more information about this topic, give our office a call.

The most common anti-aging ingredients

Certain skin-care ingredients have been deemed the most effective no matter your age. (That said, you should follow a custom program designed by your plastic surgeon, if this is in your budget.)

Retinol:

Retinol is the gold standard for fighting acne, reducing wrinkles in the short term and sunspots as well as increasing cell turnover for smoother skin. However, it can cause dryness, redness and sensitivity. You may need to test different formulas and percentages (the concentration of retinol) before you find what’s right for you. Dr. Kulick’s plastic surgery office is a great place to start for tips on your skincare.

Antioxidants:

Antioxidants protect skin from environmental damagers (sun, smoke, pollution etc.) that can lead to signs of aging. Antioxidants can be vitamin-, plant-, or synthetic-based. As the majority of antioxidants are naturally sourced, most are compatible with one another. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and reservatrol have been recommended by dermatologists to prevent collagen and elastin damage (see our notes on elastin above) and promote new collagen growth.

Vitamin C:

Topical Vitamin C may be one of the best skincare ingredients for promoting collagen production. Vitamin C may work wonders at decreasing the signs of sun damage (spots, discoloration and weathered skin) and can help prevent them too.

Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAs):

AHAs can break up the bonds that keep dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Without these dead cells, your skin may look more even toned and have a healthy glow. However, (there’s always a caveat, isn’t there?) AHAs are acidic, so sensitive, acneic, or really dry skin may not be able to tolerate them. In this case, salicylic acid may be a better option.